Woodberry Pt 2

The Iroquois County Board continued a public zoning hearing on October 28, 2026, concerning Scout Clean Energy’s proposed solar facility near Gilman. Discussion covered site screening, drainage and flood concerns, wetlands, dust and noise controls, wildlife access, emergency response, road use, and the project’s anticipated 35-year operating life. The applicant said battery storage is not proposed and estimated six to 12 on-site operations employees. Road-use and crossing agreements with the City of Gilman were discussed; agreements with relevant road authorities would be required before a building permit. The applicant also agreed to provide items including dust-mitigation information and final equipment and design details with its building permit materials.

A central financial discussion concerned decommissioning security, estimated at approximately $15.5 million. The applicant said it was open to posting a letter of credit on the state agricultural schedule or a bond upfront; county representatives described county-held security and periodic review, but no form or schedule was resolved. No procurement solicitation, contract award, purchasing decision, or vote occurred in this portion of the meeting. The hearing record was closed, and the board recessed to review materials before deliberation.